Stuart Armstrong has struggled to retain the imperious form he showed in Celtic’s invincible campaign this season, however, the midfielder now feels like a completely different player after a successful hernia operation.

Armstrong returned to the first-team during Celtic’s 3-0 walloping of Ross County on Sunday and looked back to his energetic best as he got his name on the score sheet.

And while the Hoops haven’t exactly struggled in the Scotland international’s absence, they boast a 10-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, his interview in the Celtic View will surely excite the club’s supporters.

Armstrong has told Celtic’s website that having sat on the sidelines since December has allowed him to recuperate after a physically demanding off-season, adding that he’s now ready to make an impact before the campaign comes to a close.

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“It’s never nice being injured, and I’m probably not the most patient of people either, which isn’t a great combination,” the former Dundee United captain said.

“But it was something that needed to be sorted and I’m glad it has, as it was affecting the way I wanted to play.

“I feel a completely different player having had it sorted, and Celtic were excellent in getting one of the best hernia specialists to sort it out. I’m really happy and the procedure was very good.”

Armstrong will be looking to build on his impressive showing against County when Celtic travel to Hamilton on Sunday, following a frustrating draw with Dundee last night.

Will his return see Brendan Rodgers’ side finish the season as strongly as they did in 2016/17?